Have you heard the news? Last week the Federal Government slashed the Murray Darling Basin Plan by one fifth.

The Basin Plan was an agreement to restore the health of the river after drought and decades of over extraction had decimated the ecological communities on the river. The river has been sick for a long time, the Darling has run dry, and fish, birdlife and wetlands are struggling near the mouth of the Murray. This change is one more nail in the coffin.

The Andrews government has continued to undermine its climate credentials, and announced it will open up a large section of the Victorian coastline to gas exploration and, potentially, drilling.

“Around the world, smart economies are moving to reduce reliance on gas. This will further entrench Victoria’s reliance on fossil fuels” said Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker. “This announcement represents old fashioned thinking that will not reduce costs to gas consumers.”

The Bulgana Green Power Hub demonstrates the economic benefits of climate action: Will local Liberal MP support jobs & investment? Friends of the Earth welcome the commencement of construction of the Bulgana Green Energy Hub near Stawell and say the project demonstrates the economic benefits of climate change solutions. But will the local Liberal MP Louise Staley support local jobs and investment?

"Victorian climate change solutions such as the Bulgana Green Power Hub bring jobs and investment to regional communities," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth climate spokesperson.

"The facility will contribute towards Victoria meeting its legislated target of zero net emissions by 2050--something the whole community can be proud of."

The Radioactive Exposure Tour 2018 was a great success, with thirty interested, passionate people listening, learning and showing their support to the people at the frontline fighting the nuclear industry in South Australia. Here is report back from the 2nd part of the tour (see here for details on first 4 days).

On the south face of the magnificent Mt.Baw Baw east of Melbourne citizen scientists have found an Endangered Spot Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) or Tiger Cat!

The Spot Tailed Quoll is listed as Endangered in Victoria due to massive declines in its distribution and abundance since European settlement.

Just a stones throw from where the Quoll was photographed high quality habitat for the Spot tailed Quoll is being logged.

Please email Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio calling on her to conduct thorough surveys for Quolls in the surrounding areas that are threatened by logging and protect the Quoll habitat within coupe 483-504- 0001 (Lure) which is currently being logged.

Climate and environment: Big-ticket items the missing piece of the puzzle in Vic budget 2018

Environment group Friends of the Earth says big ticket items to tackle climate change and protect Victoria’s environment are the “missing piece of the puzzle” in budget 2018/19—a disappointing one for the environment.

The Andrews government’s allocation towards climate change and environment is down from last year’s budget--from $798 million in budget 2017/18 to $266 million this budget cycle.

"With climate change impacts becoming more and more obvious, it’s disappointing to see the Andrews government’s 2018 budget fail to deliver big ticket items for climate change and environmental protection," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth spokesperson.

“The community is looking to the Labor government to have vision when it comes to our environment—such as by establishing the Great Forest National Park and championing the rollout of renewable energy.”

Our state is undergoing profound change as the population grows, entire industries go to the wall, and climate change starts to really impact on our landscapes, economy and lifestyles. Yet Melbourne continues to sprawl, as low-density development covers valuable farmland and remnant vegetation, supported by transport infrastructure that will perpetuate our current reliance on cars.

In November 2018, Victorians will head to the polls. It is an opportunity for political parties to present detailed plans for responding to these challenges.

We are almost at full capacity to launch exciting new campaign to realise our vision for Victoria: a state that works for people, climate, environment, and economy on May 24.

We have 6 months to make a difference! Please RSVP to avoid disappointment at foe.org.au/6months.

This week, Sustainable Cities organised a day of action on Monday the 23rd April. With only one week left until the release of the budget, it is vital that we let our MP's know what their citizens want. The City of Melbourne needs to be easily accessible by all, not just those who drive. The budget should reflect these needs by investing in a healthy, walkable, easy-to-get-around city. Increasing funding for public transport, infrastructure for walking and biking, and moving our freight onto rail lines are all ways to do this.

This week has been a busy one. With the upcoming budget, we need to make our voices heard. On Monday the 23rd many protests were held across Melbourne to let our MP's know what citizens want. Less money for mega roads, more money for public transport, and more options for transport. It was a great success, with over 50 Melburnians coming to rally outside their local politician's office. We will be waiting anxiously for next week to see what the budget holds for public and active transport!

Friends of the Earth acknowledge that we meet and work on the land of the Wurundjeri people and that sovereignty of the land of the Kulin Nation were never ceded. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge the pivotal role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the Australian community.